Frightful Reunion

Ch3

The Jeep is already parked in front of the cabin when you pull up, letting you know your dad had already returned.

You find him in the kitchen attempting to cut up some vegetables, "Hey dad."

He jumps and spins around, knife still in hand and a large frilly apron tied around his waist. Once he realizes it's just you, his shoulders seem to fall. "I was hoping to surprise you."

With a soft giggle, you step closer to inspect his progress. Furrowing your brows, you eye him playfully. "What exactly are you trying to make?"

Puffing out his chest with confidence, he proudly announces, "Veggie lasagna!"

Scrunching your nose, you grab a second cutting board and knife, moving to help him cut everything properly.

Noticing you may be more aptly suited for the job, he instead turns and fumbles around the cabinets for a dish to bake everything in. "So." He sets the dish on the counter and starts lining it with foil. "Where did you run off to?"

Shrugging, you begin to layer the veggies, making sure to put plenty of sauce in between, just like your dad loves. "I was just taking a look at that old cabin, it looks like the guy is fixing it up beautifully."

After sliding the dish in the oven, he leans against the opposite counter, facing you with his arms crossed and head tilted in curiosity. "I think I heard Janice the clerk rambling on about a new owner making repairs to the place. So, you were able to meet the new neighbor then?"

You nod. "I did. The guy seems really nice. He already completely rebuilt the porch. I might have to hire him to redo ours while we're here."

Eyeing you, a sly grin tugs at the corners of his lips. "I see... So, you decided to use up your full vacation afterall?"

A meager, nonchalant shrug is your response. Knowing you to be a notorious workaholic, your dad, aunt, and uncle had taken bets to see how many vacation days you would actually use. Even your business partners had playfully made threats to have someone watching you, making sure you were actually taking a full holiday.

His grin broadens. "Ah. So, the mystery man has intrigued my daughter?"

Inadvertently, a coy smile ghosts briefly along your features, which doesn't go unnoticed.

Your dad claps his hands, rubbing them together in excitement. "And when do I get to meet the lovely gent?"

"Dad..." You groan, rolling your eyes. "I'm 23! I don't need to introduce you to everyone I meet anymore. And besides... I'm on vacation. I'm just happy to see someone fixing the place up instead of tearing it down."

"Well." He leans forward over the island countertop between you. "I heard there was going to be a nice Halloween party at the Geller's this weekend."

Perking up at the mention of Halloween, you quirk a brow at him. "What about the weather?"

Smirking with smug satisfaction, knowing he had you on the hook, he leans back. "Turns out the rain will be gone by tonight, just in time for the puddles to be cleared up by tomorrow, and then Saturday night is the party."

Pursing your lips, you deflate slightly. "That only gives me 2 days to figure out a costume."

Your dad chuckles, keeping that strange smirk plastered on his face, earning a curious glance from you. He puts a finger to his chin in exaggeration, pretending to think. "Gee... How will you EVER find someone to help you decide on a costume?"

You narrow your eyes at him. "Dad. I'm not asking our new neighbor to dress up and go to a party with me."

He simply keeps smiling at you in response.